Having been contained by the Hutch's four walls and foul weather for several weeks, it stunned me that when my visitors came earlier this week, the sun also decided to hang out with us. Not just a morning, or one day, or thirty-six hours... it started on Sunday morning and has been shining since! This did mean the temperatures dropped several notches - but we didn't mind that at all. It was about time. Some will have read Nobby's repawt on his stay - for others,
here's the link.
They arrived before teatime on Sunday afternoon. We just had lots of catch-up natter and a soup and "Scooby" sandwich for our meal. Nobby got an empty Pringle's can to rip into. That's his thing... I mean, you never know where those rats might be hiding, do you? The majority of the Stuffy Clan had been consigned to
the suitcase 'camp,' but I did leave a couple out to see what would happen. See below...
On Monday and Tuesday mornings, Gail and Nobby went on serious hikes, first to Glen Massan and then to Puck's Glen. On both occasions, Nobby was tired enough to settle while we two-leggers had lunch ** but it must be said this is one pup with a super dynamo inside!
Anyway, as the weather was so very kind, I had to take the chance to stretch my underused legs too. On Monday, it was only down to the shore and along the promenade a bit. There was a stiff easterly wind, but it really was glorious. On Tuesday, we went further along the promenade and into the Castle House gardens, then returned via the back streets, admiring a few of the finer buildings as we went. As the sun sets around 15;45 at the moment, by the time we got back into the Hutch on both days, it was time to think about settling in for snuggles and warm food (again with the **).
Nobby generally likes a snuggle, but he also likes a good tug of war and rough and tumble. He also likes to climb like a mountain goat, sneak like a cat and wriggle like a worm! He's adept at finding all sorts of things to give his shredding expertise a run... So, there was a fair bit of "NO!" and "DOWN!" and "LEAVE IT!" - but really, he's a grand wee chap, and he and I formed our own little understanding. Already by the end of his stay, he was learning that aunty can curl her lip and snarl with the best of dogs! But she is also good for a spinal massage, tummy rub, ear scritch, nose tickle and even a wee smoocheroonie. I was greatly honoured to be the recipient of an ear cleaning from his soft tongue and a good sniffing around the mouth and eyes, ensuring I met his exacting grooming standards.
Then there were the random sofa guardian stuffies that I suspected would catch his eye and which I was glad that he enjoyed so much. Scooby the nightie case and Gilly the Silly Giraffey became his defacto prey for his three evenings here. They were well ravaged - and survived intact! They shall henceforth be known as Nobby's Gnaw-buddies. There were other things, too, such as the cardboard 'bones' and the empty yoghurt pot - and its lid. Nobby could well gain employment as a one-dog demolition derbot!
He would have loved to have had a go at the Meeses, but they remained unbothered. The same might not be said about Malachi and Balthazar, two of the wise men from the Nativity set in the tree. Moving the window seat to form a gate ensured their safety... mostly. We won't mention the beanie. Well, not just now, anyway.
Before we knew it, the time came to say farewell once more. I so enjoyed the company, the canine capers and the conversation, as well as sharing my cooking.
** The soup I mentioned was a rib-sticking Potato and Leek; the Scooby (triple-decker Club) Sandwich had lettuce, tomato, Gouda cheese and veggie sausages.
Monday's lunch was oatcakes with grazing cheese (Brie and Stilton), pomegranate, dates, almonds, hazelnuts and cranberry sauce. The evening meal was Chole Bhatura (chickpea curry and fried roti), Bhindi Bhaj (sauteed okra) and Dahi Mirch Chatni (yoghurt with chilli and coriander).
Tuesday's lunch; the remains of the soup with a toasted sandwich containing vacon and Emmental cheese. The evening meal was a kinda-sorta Christmassy thing... the remaining veggie sausages with potato and parsnip buttery mash, steamed carrots and broccoli, fricasseed Brussels sprouts (butter, sprouts, walnuts, cashew nuts, Italian herbs, seasoning and cranberry sauce). Waaaaaaay more than I would usually eat in one sitting, but golly, it was good and all the better for sharing it.
Yes, there were breakfasts - porridge and toast/crumpets with fruit.
We did not go hungry!
